Introduction to m9500-sf2ek9-mz.4.2.9.bin Software
The m9500-sf2ek9-mz.4.2.9.bin is a legacy NX-OS system image designed for Cisco MDS 9500 Series Multilayer Directors, serving as a critical component for enterprise-grade SAN infrastructure deployed between 2007-2012. This release focuses on foundational Fibre Channel switching capabilities, hardware redundancy, and protocol stability for first-generation MDS 9500 chassis.
Compatible Devices:
- Cisco MDS 9509 Multilayer Director
- Cisco MDS 9513 Multilayer Director
- Cisco MDS 9506 Multilayer Director
- All switches with Supervisor-2 modules and 8-Gbps Fibre Channel modules.
Version Details:
- Release Branch: NX-OS 4.2(x)
- Release Date: Q4 2010 (based on Cisco’s historical lifecycle documentation).
Key Features and Improvements
1. Core SAN Functionality
- VSAN Isolation: Enables hardware-enforced traffic segmentation across 16 virtual SANs per chassis.
- Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF): Optimizes Fibre Channel routing paths for low-latency data transmission.
2. Hardware Redundancy
- Dual Supervisor Support: Provides N+1 failover capabilities for uninterrupted operations.
- EPLD Validation: Ensures compatibility with field-programmable logic devices during boot sequences.
3. Security Foundations
- Basic RBAC Framework: Implements role-based access controls for VSAN configuration privileges.
- Port Security: Restricts unauthorized device access through FC-SP authentication protocols.
4. Protocol Support
- FCoE Pilot Features: Early-stage support for 10G Fibre Channel over Ethernet convergence.
- iSCSI Initiator Compatibility: Enables IP-based storage connectivity through dedicated Ethernet modules.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
| Component | Compatibility Status |
|---|---|
| MDS 9509 Director | Full support |
| MDS 9513 Director | Full support |
| Supervisor-2 Modules | Required |
| 48-Port 8-Gbps FC Module | Full support |
| 24-Port 10G FCoE Module | Partial support |
System Requirements
- Bootflash Storage: 600 MB minimum free space
- DRAM: 512 MB (base requirement for Supervisor-2 modules).
Restrictions
- Unsupported Features:
- Smart Licensing (introduced in NX-OS 9.x)
- Cisco TrustSec Fibre Channel Link Encryption (CTS).
- Third-Party Hardware: Non-Cisco SFP+ modules may cause initialization errors.
How to Obtain the Software
Cisco restricts public access to NX-OS 4.2(9) due to its end-of-life status. Verified acquisition methods include:
- Cisco Support Portal: Active service contract holders may request access via Cisco Software Center with valid chassis serial numbers.
- Extended Lifecycle Program: Organizations with legacy MDS 9500 deployments can obtain images through Cisco-approved partners under special agreements.
- Archived Repositories: Trusted platforms like IOSHub provide version-locked downloads for compatibility testing, adhering to Cisco’s redistribution policies.
For emergency recovery scenarios requiring immediate access, contact Cisco TAC with proof of hardware ownership.
Conclusion
The m9500-sf2ek9-mz.4.2.9.bin remains essential for maintaining legacy Cisco MDS 9500 Series directors in environments where hardware upgrades are impractical. Always verify SHA-1 checksums before deployment and reference Cisco’s archived NX-OS 4.2(x) release notes for VSAN configuration best practices.
For detailed hardware specifications or recovery procedures, consult the Cisco MDS 9500 Series Hardware Installation Guide through partner portals.
: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Release Notes for NX-OS 6.2(25)
: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Release Notes for NX-OS 6.2(13)
: Cisco MDS 9000 48-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Module Documentation
: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Compatibility Matrix
: Cisco MDS 9509 Multilayer Director Product Specifications
: Cisco MDS 9500 Series Technical Overview
